BAGHDAD, IRAQ--Iraqis with disabilities
can expect to be cared for by the government and their families under the
latest draft of the new Constitution.

In reviewing the text, however, I could not find any guarantees for the
basic rights of the country's citizens that have disabilities.

Four articles under the first chapter, which addresses rights, do
address disability issues.

Article 29 states that children have the right to "upbringing, education
and care from their parents" and that those parents have the right to "respect
and care from their children, especially in times of want, disability or old
age."

Under Article 30 and 31, the government "guarantees social and health
insurance" and the "right to health service" for Iraqi individuals and
families, and "works to protect them from illiteracy, fear and poverty and
provides them with housing and the means to rehabilitate and take care of
them."

Article 32 then states that the government "cares for the disabled and
those with special needs and guarantees their rehabilitation to integrate them
in society."

An English translation of the text does not appear to address barriers
to employment, education, public services, transportation or the legal system.

In fact, Article 14, which deals with civil and political rights, states
that "Iraqis are equal before the law without discrimination because of sex,
ethnicity, nationality, origin, color, religion, sect, belief, opinion or
social or economic status". Discrimination on the basis of disability is not
included in this protection.

Members of parliament are still negotiating the text of the
Constitution. Iraqi citizens are scheduled to vote on it on October 15.